Intro to 3D modelling

3D modelling (also called Product rendering) is the process of creating a 3D representation of any surface or object by manipulating polygons, edges, and vertices in simulated 3D space. 3D modelling can be achieved manually with specialized 3D production software that lets an artist create and deform polygonal surfaces, or by scanning real-world objects into a set of data points that can be used to represent the object digitally.

Modelling is used in a wide range of fields, including engineering, entertainment design, film, visual effects, game development, and commercial advertising.

Product rendering and visualization is an affordable technology for quickly and realistically depicting products or architecture visually. When a product, program, or concept is still in its early stages 3D product rendering and visualization can be used to create compelling imagery to tell the story. Besides being great for marketing, 3D product rendering saves prototyping time and expense, and it lets users see physical conditions not obvious in 2D.

Gone are the days of computer animation as a novelty and also passed are the days when it was reserved for feature films or large, well-heeled corporations. Today, 3D product rendering services can be tailored to the needs of nearly any organization in a number of ways, and can also have some specific, measurable effects on a company’s growth. Research has shown that the availability of interactive 3D product presentations instead of still images affect some important aspects of buyer behavior, including the amount of time spent examining products and purchase likelihood.

Using what’s called a wire-frame model, the principles of geometry, and an extensive process of lighting, shading, texturing, and eventually rendering an image, digital artists can create photo-realistic images that in many cases are almost impossible to discern from an actual photograph. Different materials, colors and lighting can be evaluated on a design in its proposed environment without ever producing a prototype.

Photo-realistic images can be created from sketches, photos, sample drawing, customer-specified dimensions or CAD formats. CAD systems depict data exactly and generate usable images, but the images generally look very computer generated and obviously not “real”. The environments the product can be placed in are often less than stellar in most CAD programs. To make the image photorealistic, the rendering program has to mathematically calculate real world governing physical equations of light transport. This aspect is often not in the capabilities of the product designer, but needs to be capitalized on visually.

While static, 2D images are often enough to gain attention, when the camera moves through a home, the viewer soars over a mountain, or the product is assembled before your eyes, the message becomes clear. When combined with interactive media, 3D rendering can be dynamically controlled creating a truly immersive experience.
To encourage cross-selling, 3D product rendering and visualization can be used to create “virtual showrooms.” For example, furniture, windows, lighting and floor finishes along with your products can be placed and viewed together in a virtual room.

Most of us are not conscious of the visual cues we take from advertising and product packaging, however, the fact remains that visuals are the single largest influencing factor on purchasing decisions. Photo-realistic images can add 3D realism to 2D print projects and presentations such as ads, point of purchase displays and product logos, for example. As always, you are welcome to contact us directly and put our knowledge of 3D rendering and product visualization to work for you.

From 3D product design we can go to 3D printing.